2009 Volume 1 Issue 2 Pages 123-129
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the educational effect of visual feedback using computer graphics on tooth preparation practices.
Methods: A total of 27 dental students prepared an artificial tooth for complete cast restorations in a manikin head. After the first practice, these students were randomly divided into two groups.
One group attended a 30-minute visual feedback session involving their own preparation work. After feedback, this group prepared an artificial tooth for a second time. The other group (the non-feedback group) practiced a second preparation without any feedback. Between the first practice and the second practice, the quantity of occlusal reduction and axial wall taper were compared between the two groups.
Results: In the feedback group, at the first practice, the average reductions of the mesiobuccal cusp, distobuccal cusp, and distolingual cusp were 3.1, 2.2, and 1.6 mm, respectively.
After visual feedback using computer graphics, the average reductions of the mesiobuccal cusp, distobuccal cusp, and distolingual cusp were 1.7, 1.2, and 1.2 mm, respectively. The average reductions showed significant differences at the three cusps. At the first practice, the average axial wall taper in the buccal, mesial, and distal regions was 13.6, 15.4, and 13.2 degrees, respectively. After visual feedback, the average axial wall taper in the buccal, mesial, and distal regions was 6.1, 8.9, and 6.0 degrees, respectively. The axial wall taper showed significant differences among the buccal, mesial, and distal regions.
In the non-visual feedback group, there were no significant differences in occlusal reductions or the axial wall taper between the first practice and the second practice.
Conclusion: Visual feedback using computer graphics was effective for tooth preparation practice.
